Best Value Colleges in Utah

The Beehive State is home to several schools that appear in the top half of our 20 Year Net ROI rankings, and perhaps that’s what makes its colleges and universities such popular choices. Utah’s natural beauty is also a big draw; the state is home to five National Parks, and also offers year-round fun in terms of skiing, hiking, mountain biking and much more. Regardless of what draws you to this state for your higher education, consider using PayScale’s data to pinpoint the best value colleges in Utah before applying.

With its close affiliation with the Church of Latter-Day Saints, or LDS Church, Brigham Young University is primarily attended by Mormon students who seek the best bang for their educational buck. The Y, as it’s often referred by students, was founded in 1875 and is the largest religious university in the country. Popular areas of study include liberal arts, engineering, management and law, and the university counts U.S. senators, U.S. representatives and other dignitaries among its alumni. Its impeccably maintained campus in Provo offers amazing views of the Wasatch Mountains, so it’s a lovely place to earn a degree.

Thanks to its close proximity to bustling downtown Salt Lake City, the University of Utah, otherwise known as “the U” or “the U of U,” boasts a student population of more than 32,000 and offers more than 100 undergraduate majors. The university distinguishes itself in a number of other ways, including the fact that it has the only accredited architectural program in the state of Utah. It’s also well known for its study of genetics, which is largely because of its affiliation with the LDS church and its tradition of genealogy.

Another school offering the value of college education Utah students and their parents want is Utah State University, which is located in Logan. Founded in 1888, the school boasts a student population of nearly 29,000 and offers degree programs in business, economics, the liberal arts and many other disciplines. Situated just a mile from downtown Logan, it offers students a nice mix of campus life and smaller city excitement. USU’s College of Engineering is a particular draw for many who apply. It has strong ties with NASA and the Department of Defense, making it an exciting place for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the sciences. Many distinguished and accomplished alumni came out of USU, including several NASA astronauts. U.S. Senator Harry Reid, the senate majority leader, is also among the ranks of famous alumni.